Hand held surgical handle assembly, surgical adapters for use between surgical handle assembly and surgical end effectors, and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/484,975, filed on May 31, 2012, which is aContinuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,968,276, which is a Continuation-in-Part Applicationclaiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/946,082, filed on Nov. 15, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,806,973, whichclaims the benefit of and priority to each of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/308,045, filed on Feb. 25, 2010, and U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/265,942, filed on Dec. 2, 2009, theentire contents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, isa Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/758,900, filed on Apr. 13, 2010,which is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of andpriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,827, filed on Nov.20, 2009, the entire content of each of which being incorporated hereinby reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, isa Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/089,672, filed on Apr. 19, 2011,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,379, which is a Divisional Application claimingthe benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/235,362, filed on Sep. 22, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,433), whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/974,267, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, the entirecontents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, isa Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/089,473, filed on Apr. 19, 2011,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,017,371, which is a Divisional Application claimingthe benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/235,362, filed on Sep. 22, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,433), whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/974,267, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, the entirecontents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, isa Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/090,286, filed on Apr. 20, 2011,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,554, which is a Divisional Application claimingthe benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/235,362, filed on Sep. 22, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,433), whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/974,267, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, the entirecontents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices and/or systems,surgical adapters and their methods of use. More specifically, thepresent disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices,surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and forinterconnecting the powered, rotating and/or articulating surgicaldevice or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cuttingand/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

One type of surgical device is a linear clamping, cutting and staplingdevice. Such a device may be employed in a surgical procedure to resecta cancerous or anomalous tissue from a gastro-intestinal tract.Conventional linear clamping, cutting and stapling instruments include apistol grip-styled structure having an elongated shaft and distalportion. The distal portion includes a pair of scissors-styled grippingelements, which clamp the open ends of the colon closed. In this device,one of the two scissors-styled gripping elements, such as the anvilportion, moves or pivots relative to the overall structure, whereas theother gripping element remains fixed relative to the overall structure.The actuation of this scissoring device (the pivoting of the anvilportion) is controlled by a grip trigger maintained in the handle.

In addition to the scissoring device, the distal portion also includes astapling mechanism. The fixed gripping element of the scissoringmechanism includes a staple cartridge receiving region and a mechanismfor driving the staples up through the clamped end of the tissue againstthe anvil portion, thereby sealing the previously opened end. Thescissoring elements may be integrally formed with the shaft or may bedetachable such that various scissoring and stapling elements may beinterchangeable.

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lineswith proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulating thesurgical device. In many instances the surgical devices include a handleassembly, which is reusable, and a disposable end effector or the likethat is selectively connected to the handle assembly prior to use andthen disconnected from the end effector following use in order to bedisposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of the existing end effectors for use with many of the existingsurgical devices and/or handle assemblies are driven by a linear force.For examples, end effectors for performing endo-gastrointestinalanastomosis procedures, end-to-end anastomosis procedures and transverseanastomosis procedures, each typically require a linear driving force inorder to be operated. As such, these end effectors are not compatiblewith surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motionto deliver power or the like.

In order to make the linear driven end effectors compatible withsurgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motion todeliver power, a need exists for adapters and/or adapter assemblies tointerface between and interconnect the linear driven end effectors withthe rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices,surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and forinterconnecting the powered, rotating and/or articulating surgicaldevice or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cuttingand/or stapling tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electromechanicalsurgical system is provided, comprising a hand-held surgical device,including a device housing defining a connecting portion for selectivelyconnecting with an adapter assembly; at least one drive motor supportedin the device housing and being configured to rotate a drive shaft; apower source (e.g., a battery, a fuel cell, a power cord connected to anexternal power source, etc.) disposed within the device housing forpowering the at least one drive motor; and a circuit board disposedwithin the housing for controlling power delivered from the battery tothe motor. The electromechanical surgical system further comprises anend effector configured to perform at least one function, the endeffector including at least one axially translatable drive member; andan adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector andthe surgical device. The adapter assembly includes an adapter housingconfigured and adapted for selective connection to the connectingportion of the surgical device and to be in operative communication witheach of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device;an outer tube having a proximal end supported by the adapter housing anda distal end configured and adapted for connection with the endeffector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operativecommunication with each of the at least one axially translatable drivemember of the end effector; at least one drive converter assembly forinterconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axiallytranslatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least onedrive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to adrive shaft of the surgical device and a second end that is connectableto the at least one axially translatable drive member of the endeffector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical deviceto an axial translation of the at least one axially translatable drivemember of the end effector.

The at least one drive converter assembly of the adapter assembly mayinclude a first drive converter assembly including a first distal driveshaft rotatably supported in the adapter housing, wherein a proximal endof the first distal drive shaft is connectable to the rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device; a drive coupling nut threadably connectedto a threaded distal portion of the first distal drive shaft, whereinthe drive coupling nut is keyed against rotation within the adapterhousing; and a drive tube having a proximal end connected to the drivecoupling nut and a distal end configured for selective engagement withthe at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector.Wherein rotation of the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical deviceresults in rotation of the distal drive shaft. Wherein rotation of thedistal drive shaft results in axial translation of the drive couplingnut, the drive tube and the at least one axially translatable drivemember of the end effector.

The first drive converter assembly may include a spur gear keyed to theproximal end of the distal drive shaft; a proximal rotatable drive shafthaving a spur gear supported on a distal end thereof and a proximal endconnectable to the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and acompound gear interengaging the spur gear keyed to the proximal end ofthe distal drive shaft and the spur gear supported on the distal end ofthe proximal rotatable drive shaft.

The electromechanical surgical system may further comprise a connectorsleeve interconnecting the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical devicewith the proximal rotatable drive shaft of the adapter assembly.

In use, translation of the at least one axially translatable drivemember of the end effector results in a closing of the end effector anda firing of the end effector.

The at least one drive converter assembly of the adapter assembly mayinclude a second drive converter assembly including a second proximaldrive shaft rotatably supported in the adapter housing, wherein aproximal end of the second proximal drive shaft is connectable to asecond rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; a coupling cuffrotatably and translatably supported in the adapter housing, thecoupling cuff defining an inner annular race; a coupling sliderrotatably disposed within the annular race of the coupling cuff, thecoupling slider being threadably connected to a threaded distal portionof the second proximal drive shaft; and a drive bar having a proximalend connected to the coupling cuff and a distal end configured forselective engagement with another axially translatable drive member ofthe end effector. Wherein rotation of the second rotatable drive shaftof the surgical device results in rotation of the second proximal driveshaft. Wherein rotation of the second proximal drive shaft results inaxial translation of the coupling slider, the coupling cuff, the drivebar and the another axially translatable drive member of the endeffector.

The first distal drive shaft may extend through the coupling cuff suchthat the coupling cuff is rotatable about the first distal drive shaft.

The electromechanical surgical system may further comprise a connectorsleeve interconnecting the second rotatable drive shaft of the devicewith the second proximal drive shaft of the adapter assembly.

In use, translation of the another axially translatable drive member ofthe end effector results in an articulation of the end effector relativeto the adapter.

The adapter may further comprise a drive transmitting assembly includinga third proximal rotatable drive shaft rotatably supported in theadapter housing and having a spur gear supported on a distal end thereofand a proximal end connectable to a third rotatable drive shaft of thesurgical device; a ring gear rotatably supported in the adapter housing,the ring gear defining an internal array of gear teeth which are engagedwith the spur gear of the third proximal rotatable drive shaft; arotation housing rotatably supported in the adapter housing and beingkeyed to the ring gear; and at least one rotation transmitting barhaving a proximal end connected to the rotation housing and a distal endconnected to a distal coupling assembly, wherein the distal couplingassembly is configured to selective connect with the end effector.Wherein rotation of the third rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice results in rotation of the third proximal drive shaft, andwherein rotation of the third proximal drive shaft results in rotationof the ring gear, the rotation housing, the at least one rotationtransmitting bar and the distal coupling assembly to rotate the endeffector relative to the adapter and about a longitudinal axis definedby the adapter.

The electromechanical surgical system may further comprise a connectorsleeve interconnecting the third rotatable drive shaft of the devicewith the third proximal drive shaft of the adapter assembly.

The end effector may be configured for endoscopic insertion into atarget surgical site. The outer tube of the adapter may be configuredfor endoscopic insertion into a target surgical site. The outer tube ofthe adapter may have an outer dimension of approximately 12 mm. Theadapter housing may be inhibited from insertion into the target surgicalsite.

At least one of the first drive converter assembly, the second driveconverter assembly and the drive transmitting assembly may be disposedin the adapter housing.

In an embodiment, the end effector and the outer tube of the adapterdefine an endoscopic portion that is configured for endoscopic insertioninto a target surgical site. Each of the first drive converter assembly,the second drive converter assembly and the drive transmitting assemblymay be disposed outside of the endoscopic portion.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an adapterassembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical endeffector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical devicethat is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effectorincluding at least one axially translatable drive member, and thesurgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. Theadapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted forconnection with the surgical device and to be in operative communicationwith each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by thehousing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at leastone aperture opening into the cavity, wherein the at least one apertureprovides an egress for fluid entering the cavity during at least one ofa use and a cleaning of the adapter assembly; and at least one driveconverter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at leastone rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at leastone axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein theat least one drive converter assembly is at least partially disposedwithin the cavity of the inner housing tube.

The at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that isconnectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; anda second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drivemember of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converterassembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the firstaxially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The at least one aperture formed in the inner housing tube may include aplurality of apertures disposed along one side of the inner housing tubeand extending along a length thereof. The plurality of apertures formedin the inner housing tube may extend substantially in a longitudinaldirection. The plurality of apertures formed in the inner housing tubemay include apertures disposed on opposed sides of the inner housingtube.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an adapterassembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical endeffector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical devicethat is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effectorincluding at least one axially translatable drive member, and thesurgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. Theadapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted forconnection with the surgical device and to be in operative communicationwith each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by thehousing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at leastone aperture opening into the cavity; a distal coupling assemblydisposed at a distal end of the inner housing tube, wherein the distalcoupling assembly is configured to selectively connect with the endeffector; at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting arespective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member ofthe end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly isat least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner housing tube;and a plurality of seals disposed between the inner housing tube and theat least one drive converter assembly so as to prevent ingress of fluidinto the cavity of the inner housing tube.

The at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that isconnectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; anda second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drivemember of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converterassembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the firstaxially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The plurality of seals may include a first seal interposed between thedistal coupling assembly and a drive tube of the at least one driveconverter assembly. The first seal may be a bi-directional seal. Thebi-direction seal may be an X-ring gasket.

The plurality of seals may include a second seal interposed between thedistal coupling assembly and the inner housing tube. The second seal maybe a compression sleeve.

The plurality of seals may include a third seal recessed within aproximal bushing of the adapter assembly. The third seal may be one ofan O-ring gasket and an X-ring gasket.

The plurality of seals may include a fourth seal recessed within aninner diameter of the proximal bushing of adapter assembly to ride on anouter diameter of a first distal drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly. The fourth seal may be one of an O-ring gasket andan X-ring gasket.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an adapterassembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical endeffector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical devicethat is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effectorincluding at least one axially translatable drive member, and thesurgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. Theadapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted forconnection with the surgical device and to be in operative communicationwith each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by thehousing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at leastone heat dissipation feature provided on an exterior surface of innerhousing tube; and at least one drive converter assembly forinterconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axiallytranslatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least onedrive converter assembly is at least partially disposed within thecavity of the inner housing tube. The at least one drive converterassembly includes a first end that is connectable to a first rotatabledrive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end that is connectableto a first axially translatable drive member of the end effector,wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmitsa rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device toan axial translation of the first axially translatable drive member ofthe end effector.

The at least one heat dissipation feature may include at least onegroove formed in the outer surface of the inner tube. The at least onegroove may include a plurality of grooves defining a plurality of ridgeson the outer surface of the inner tube.

The plurality of grooves may extend annularly about the outer surface ofthe inner tube.

The plurality of grooves may extend longitudinally along the outersurface of the inner tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a surgical deviceand adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,illustrating a connection thereof with an end effector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the surgicaldevice of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery for use in the surgical deviceof FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3, with ahousing thereof removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connecting ends of each of thesurgical device and the adapter, illustrating a connection therebetween;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3, astaken through 7-7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3, astaken through 8-8 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a trigger housingof the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the adapter ofFIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a drive couplingassembly of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a distal portionof the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10, astaken through 14-14 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10, astaken through 15-15 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 14;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 15;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 14;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 15;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a coupling cuffof the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an exemplary endeffector for use with the surgical device and the adapter of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of the outputs to the LED's;selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotation orarticulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform a functionselected;

FIG. 23 is a first perspective view of an inner housing tube of anadapter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a second perspective view of the inner housing tube of FIG.23;

FIG. 25 is a first perspective view of an inner housing tube accordingto a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a second perspective view of the inner housing tube of FIG.25;

FIG. 27, is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the inner housingtube of FIGS. 25 and 26, as taken through 27-27 of FIG. 25;

FIGS. 28-30 are enlarged views of the indicated areas of detail of FIG.27;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an inner housing tube of an adapteraccording to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an inner housing tube of an adapteraccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical devices, and adapterassemblies for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are describedin detail with reference to the drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of theseveral views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portionof the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof,farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portionof the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closerto the user.

A surgical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, is generally designated as 100, and is in the form of apowered hand held electromechanical instrument configured for selectiveattachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors that areeach configured for actuation and manipulation by the powered hand heldelectromechanical surgical instrument.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, surgical device 100 is configured forselective connection with an adapter 200, and, in turn, adapter 200 isconfigured for selective connection with an end effector or single useloading unit 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 includes a handlehousing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediate housingportion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/or supported onintermediate housing portion 106. Intermediate housing portion 106 andupper housing portion 108 are separated into a distal half-section 110 athat is integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion 104,and a proximal half-section 110 b connectable to distal half-section 110a by a plurality of fasteners. When joined, distal and proximalhalf-sections 110 a, 110 b define a handle housing 102 having a cavity102 a therein in which a circuit board 150 and a drive mechanism 160 issituated.

Distal and proximal half-sections 110 a, 110 b are divided along a planethat traverses a longitudinal axis “X” of upper housing portion 108, asseen in FIG. 1.

Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 112 extending completely around arim of distal half-section and/or proximal half-section 110 a, 110 b andbeing interposed between distal half-section 110 a and proximalhalf-section 110 b. Gasket 112 seals the perimeter of distalhalf-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110 b. Gasket 112 functionsto establish an air-tight seal between distal half-section 110 a andproximal half-section 110 b such that circuit board 150 and drivemechanism 160 are protected from sterilization and/or cleaningprocedures.

In this manner, the cavity 102 a of handle housing 102 is sealed alongthe perimeter of distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110b yet is configured to enable easier, more efficient assembly of circuitboard 150 and a drive mechanism 160 in handle housing 102.

Intermediate housing portion 106 of handle housing 102 provides ahousing in which circuit board 150 is situated. Circuit board 150 isconfigured to control the various operations of surgical device 100, aswill be set forth in additional detail below.

Lower housing portion 104 of surgical device 100 defines an aperture(not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is locatedbeneath or within intermediate housing portion 106. The aperture oflower housing portion 104 provides a passage through which wires 152pass to electrically interconnect electrical components (a battery 156,as illustrated in FIG. 4, a circuit board 154, as illustrated in FIG. 3,etc.) situated in lower housing portion 104 with electrical components(circuit board 150, drive mechanism 160, etc.) situated in intermediatehousing portion 106 and/or upper housing portion 108.

Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 103 disposed within the aperture oflower housing portion 104 (not shown) thereby plugging or sealing theaperture of lower housing portion 104 while allowing wires 152 to passtherethrough. Gasket 103 functions to establish an air-tight sealbetween lower housing portion 106 and intermediate housing portion 108such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160 are protected fromsterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

As shown, lower housing portion 104 of handle housing 102 provides ahousing in which a rechargeable battery 156, is removably situated.Battery 156 is configured to supply power to any of the electricalcomponents of surgical device 100. Lower housing portion 104 defines acavity (not shown) into which battery 156 is inserted. Lower housingportion 104 includes a door 105 pivotally connected thereto for closingcavity of lower housing portion 104 and retaining battery 156 therein.While a battery 156 is shown, it is contemplated that the surgicaldevice may be powered by any number of power sources, such as, forexample, a fuel cell, a power cord connected to an external powersource, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, distal half-section 110 a of upperhousing portion 108 defines a nose or connecting portion 108 a. A nosecone 114 is supported on nose portion 108 a of upper housing portion108. Nose cone 114 is fabricated from a transparent material. Anillumination member 116 is disposed within nose cone 114 such thatillumination member 116 is visible therethrough. Illumination member 116is in the form of a light emitting diode printed circuit board (LEDPCB). Illumination member 116 is configured to illuminate multiplecolors with a specific color pattern being associated with a uniquediscrete event.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing inwhich drive mechanism 160 is situated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, drivemechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components inorder to perform the various operations of surgical device 100. Inparticular, drive mechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/orgear components in order to selectively move tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300 (see FIGS. 1 and 20) relative to proximal body portion 302of end effector 300, to rotate end effector 300 about a longitudinalaxis “X” (see FIG. 3) relative to handle housing 102, to move anvilassembly 306 relative to cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300,and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridgeassembly 308 of end effector 300.

The drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162 that islocated immediately proximal relative to adapter 200. Proximal to theselector gearbox assembly 162 is a function selection module 163 havinga first motor 164 that functions to selectively move gear elementswithin the selector gearbox assembly 162 into engagement with an inputdrive component 165 having a second motor 166.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and as mentioned above, distal half-section110 a of upper housing portion 108 defines a connecting portion 108 aconfigured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210 ofadapter 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, connecting portion 108 a of surgical device100 has a cylindrical recess 108 b that receives a drive couplingassembly 210 of adapter 200 when adapter 200 is mated to surgical device100. Connecting portion 108 a houses three rotatable drive connectors118, 120, 122.

When adapter 200 is mated to surgical device 100, each of rotatabledrive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 couples with acorresponding rotatable connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200.(see FIG. 6). In this regard, the interface between corresponding firstdrive connector 118 and first connector sleeve 218, the interfacebetween corresponding second drive connector 120 and second connectorsleeve 220, and the interface between corresponding third driveconnector 122 and third connector sleeve 222 are keyed such thatrotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device100 causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding connectorsleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 withconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200 allows rotational forcesto be independently transmitted via each of the three respectiveconnector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgicaldevice 100 are configured to be independently rotated by drive mechanism160. In this regard, the function selection module 163 of drivemechanism 160 selects which drive connector or connectors 118, 120, 122of surgical device 100 is to be driven by the input drive component 165of drive mechanism 160.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 hasa keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respectiveconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200, when adapter 200 iscoupled to surgical device 100, rotational force(s) are selectivelytransferred from drive mechanism 160 of surgical device 100 to adapter200.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 ofsurgical device 100 allows surgical device 100 to selectively actuatedifferent functions of end effector 300. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, selective and independent rotation of first driveconnector 118 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective andindependent opening and closing of tool assembly 304 of end effector300, and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly 304 ofend effector 300. Also, the selective and independent rotation of seconddrive connector 120 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selectiveand independent articulation of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 3). Additionally, theselective and independent rotation of third drive connector 122 ofsurgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independentrotation of end effector 300 about longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 3)relative to handle housing 102 of surgical device 100.

As mentioned above and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, drive mechanism160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162; a function selectionmodule 163, located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162, thatfunctions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearboxassembly 162 into engagement with second motor 166. Thus, drivemechanism 160 selectively drives one of drive connectors 118, 120, 122of surgical device 100 at a given time.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 9, handle housing 102 supports atrigger housing 107 on a distal surface or side of intermediate housingportion 108. Trigger housing 107, in cooperation with intermediatehousing portion 108, supports a pair of finger-actuated control buttons124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130. In particular, trigger housing 107defines an upper aperture 124 a for slidably receiving a first controlbutton 124, and a lower aperture 126 b for slidably receiving a secondcontrol button 126.

Each one of the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130includes a respective magnet (not shown) that is moved by the actuationof an operator. In addition, circuit board 150 includes, for each one ofthe control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130, respectiveHall-effect switches 150 a-150 d that are actuated by the movement ofthe magnets in the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130.In particular, located immediately proximal to the control button 124 isa first Hall-effect switch 150 a (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuatedupon the movement of a magnet within the control button 124 upon theoperator actuating control button 124. The actuation of firstHall-effect switch 150 a, corresponding to control button 124, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of the drive mechanism 160 toclose a tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 and/or to fire astapling/cutting cartridge within tool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

Also, located immediately proximal to rocker device 128 is a secondHall-effect switch 150 b (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon themovement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 128 upon theoperator actuating rocker device 128. The actuation of secondHall-effect switch 150 b, corresponding to rocker device 128, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 toarticulate tool assembly 304 relative to body portion 302 of endeffector 300. Advantageously, movement of rocker device 128 in a firstdirection causes tool assembly 304 to articulate relative to bodyportion 302 in a first direction, while movement of rocker device 128 inan opposite, e.g., second, direction causes tool assembly 304 toarticulate relative to body portion 302 in an opposite, e.g., second,direction.

Furthermore, located immediately proximal to control button 126 is athird Hall-effect switch 150 c (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated uponthe movement of a magnet (not shown) within control button 126 upon theoperator actuating control button 126. The actuation of thirdHall-effect switch 150 c, corresponding to control button 126, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 to opentool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

In addition, located immediately proximal to rocker device 130 is afourth Hall-effect switch 150 d (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuatedupon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 130 uponthe operator actuating rocker device 130. The actuation of fourthHall-effect switch 150 d, corresponding to rocker device 130, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 torotate end effector 300 relative to handle housing 102 surgical device100. Specifically, movement of rocker device 130 in a first directioncauses end effector 300 to rotate relative to handle housing 102 in afirst direction, while movement of rocker device 130 in an opposite,e.g., second, direction causes end effector 300 to rotate relative tohandle housing 102 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 includes a fire button orsafety switch 132 supported between intermediate housing portion 108 andupper housing portion, and situated above trigger housing 107. In use,tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 is actuated between opened andclosed conditions as needed and/or desired. In order to fire endeffector 300, to expel fasteners therefrom when tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300 is in a closed condition, safety switch 132 is depressedthereby instructing surgical device 100 that end effector 300 is readyto expel fasteners therefrom.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10-20, surgical device 100 is configuredfor selective connection with adapter 200, and, in turn, adapter 200 isconfigured for selective connection with end effector 300.

Adapter 200 is configured to convert a rotation of either of driveconnectors 120 and 122 of surgical device 100 into axial translationuseful for operating a drive assembly 360 and an articulation link 366of end effector 300, as illustrated in FIG. 21 and as will be discussedin greater detail below.

Adapter 200 includes a first drive transmitting/converting assembly forinterconnecting third rotatable drive connector 122 of surgical device100 and a first axially translatable drive member of end effector 300,wherein the first drive transmitting/converting assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of third rotatable drive connector 122 of surgicaldevice 100 to an axial translation of the first axially translatabledrive assembly 360 of end effector 300 for firing.

Adapter 200 includes a second drive transmitting/converting assembly forinterconnecting second rotatable drive connector 120 of surgical device100 and a second axially translatable drive member of end effector 300,wherein the second drive transmitting/converting assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of second rotatable drive connector 120 of surgicaldevice 100 to an axial translation of articulation link 366 of endeffector 300 for articulation.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, adapter 200 includes a knob housing 202and an outer tube 206 extending from a distal end of knob housing 202.Knob housing 202 and outer tube 206 are configured and dimensioned tohouse the components of adapter 200. Outer tube 206 is dimensioned forendoscopic insertion, in particular, that outer tube is passable througha typical trocar port, cannula or the like. Knob housing 202 isdimensioned to not enter the trocar port, cannula of the like.

Knob housing 202 is configured and adapted to connect to connectingportion 108 a of upper housing portion 108 of distal half-section 110 aof surgical device 100.

As seen in FIGS. 10-12, adapter 200 includes a surgical device drivecoupling assembly 210 at a proximal end thereof and to an end effectorcoupling assembly 230 at a distal end thereof. Drive coupling assembly210 includes a distal drive coupling housing 210 a and a proximal drivecoupling housing 210 b rotatably supported, at least partially, in knobhousing 202. Drive coupling assembly 210 rotatably supports a firstrotatable proximal drive shaft 212, a second rotatable proximal driveshaft 214, and a third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 therein.

Proximal drive coupling housing 210 b is configured to rotatably supportfirst, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222,respectively. Each of connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 is configured tomate with respective first, second and third drive connectors 118, 120,122 of surgical device 100, as described above. Each of connectorsleeves 218, 220, 222 is further configured to mate with a proximal endof respective first, second and third proximal drive shafts 212, 214,216.

Proximal drive coupling assembly 210 includes a first, a second and athird biasing member 224, 226 and 228 disposed distally of respectivefirst, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220, 222. Each of biasingmembers 224, 226 and 228 is disposed about respective first, second andthird rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, 214 and 216. Biasing members224, 226 and 228 act on respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 tohelp maintain connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 engaged with the distalend of respective drive rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical device 100 when adapter 200 is connected to surgical device100.

In particular, first, second and third biasing members 224, 226 and 228function to bias respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 in aproximal direction. In this manner, during assembly of adapter 200 tosurgical device 100, if first, second and or third connector sleeves218, 220 and/or 222 is/are misaligned with the drive connectors 118,120, 122 of surgical device 100, first, second and/or third biasingmember(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 are compressed. Thus, when drive mechanism160 of surgical device 100 is engaged, drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical device 100 will rotate and first, second and/or third biasingmember(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 will cause respective first, second and/orthird connector sleeve(s) 218, 220 and/or 222 to slide back proximally,effectively coupling drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device100 to first, second and/or third proximal drive shaft(s) 212, 214 and216 of proximal drive coupling assembly 210.

Upon calibration of surgical device 100, each of drive connectors 118,120, 122 of surgical device 100 is rotated and the bias on connectorsleeve(s) 218, 220 and 222 properly seats connector sleeve(s) 218, 220and 222 over the respective drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgicaldevice 100 when the proper alignment is reached.

Adapter 200 includes a first, a second and a third drivetransmitting/converting assembly 240, 250, 260, respectively, disposedwithin handle housing 202 and outer tube 206. Each drivetransmitting/converting assembly 240, 250, 260 is configured and adaptedto transmit or convert a rotation of a first, second and third driveconnector 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 into axial translation ofdrive tube 246 and drive bar 258 of adapter 200, to effectuate closing,opening, articulating and firing of end effector 300; or a rotation ofring gear 266 of adapter 200, to effectuate rotation of adapter 200.

As seen in FIGS. 13-19, first drive transmitting/converting assembly 240includes a first distal drive shaft 242 rotatably supported withinhousing 202 and outer tube 206. A proximal end portion 242 a of firstdistal drive shaft 242 is keyed to a spur gear 242 c which is configuredfor connection to a spur gear 212 a keyed to first rotatable proximaldrive shaft 212, via a compound gear 243. First distal drive shaft 242further includes a distal end portion 242 b having a threaded outerprofile or surface.

First drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 further includes adrive coupling nut 244 rotatably coupled to threaded distal end portion242 b of first distal drive shaft 242, and which is slidably disposedwithin outer tube 206. Drive coupling nut 244 is keyed to an innerhousing tube 206 a of outer tube 206 so as to be prevented from rotationas first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated. In this manner, as firstdistal drive shaft 242 is rotated, drive coupling nut 244 is translatedthrough and/or along inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206.

First drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 further includes adrive tube 246 surrounding first distal drive shaft 242 and having aproximal end portion connected to drive coupling nut 244 and a distalend portion extending beyond a distal end of first distal drive shaft242. The distal end portion of drive tube 246 supports a connectionmember 247 (see FIG. 13) configured and dimensioned for selectiveengagement with drive member 374 of drive assembly 360 of end effector300.

In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotated,due to a rotation of first connector sleeve 218, as a result of therotation of the first respective drive connector 118 of surgical device100, spur gear 212 a of first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 engagesfirst gear 243 a of compound gear 243 causing compound gear 243 torotate. As compound gear 243 rotates, a second gear 243 b of compoundgear 243 is rotated and thus causes spur gear 242 c that is keyed tofirst distal drive shaft 242, that is engaged therewith, to also rotatethereby causing first distal drive shaft 242 to rotate. As first distaldrive shaft 242 is rotated, drive coupling nut 244 is caused to betranslated axially along first distal drive shaft 242.

As drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axially along firstdistal drive shaft 242, drive tube 246 is caused to be translatedaxially relative to inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206. As drivetube 246 is translated axially, with connection member 247 connectedthereto and connected to a drive member 374 of drive assembly 360 of endeffector 300, drive tube 246 causes concomitant axial translation ofdrive member 374 of end effector 300 to effectuate a closure of toolassembly 304 and a firing of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

With reference to FIGS. 13-19, second drive converter assembly 250 ofadapter 200 includes second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 rotatablysupported within drive coupling assembly 210. Second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214 includes a non-circular or shaped proximal end portion214 a configured for connection with second connector 220 which isconnected to respective second connector 120 of surgical device 100.Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 further includes a distal endportion 214 b having a threaded outer profile or surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, second drive converter assembly 250 furtherincludes a coupling cuff 254 rotatably and translatably supported withinan annular race or recess formed in knob housing 202. Coupling cuff 254defines a lumen 254 a therethrough, and an annular race or recess formedin a surface of lumen 254 a. Second drive converter assembly 250 furtherincludes a coupling slider 256 extending across lumen 254 a of couplingcuff 254 and slidably disposed within the race of coupling cuff 254.Coupling slider 256 is threadably connected to threaded distal endportion 214 b of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214. As soconfigured, coupling cuff 254 can rotate about second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214, thereby maintaining a radial position of secondrotatable proximal drive shaft 214 relative to first rotatable proximaldrive shaft 242.

Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 defines an axis of rotation,and coupling cuff 254 defines an axis of rotation that is spaced aradial distance from the axis of rotation of second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214. Coupling slider 256 defines an axis of rotation that iscoincident with the axis of rotation of coupling cuff 254.

Second drive converter assembly 250 further includes a drive bar 258translatably supported for axial translation through outer tube 206.Drive bar 258 includes a proximal end portion 258 a coupled to couplingcuff 254, and a distal end portion 258 b defining a coupling hook 258 cconfigured and dimensioned for selective engagement with hooked proximalend 366 a of articulation link 366 of end effector 300. (see FIG. 21).

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-19, as drive shaft 214 isrotated due to a rotation of second connector sleeve 220, as a result ofthe rotation of the second drive connector 120 of surgical device 100,coupling slider 256 is caused to be translated axially along threadeddistal portion 214 b of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, whichin turn causes coupling cuff 254 to be translated axially relative toknob housing 202. As coupling cuff 254 is translated axially, drive bar258 is caused to be translated axially. Accordingly, as drive bar 258 istranslated axially, with hook 258 c thereof connected to hooked proximalend 366 a of articulation link 366 of end effector 300 (see FIG. 21),drive bar 258 causes concomitant axial translation of articulation link366 of end effector 300 to effectuate an articulation of tool assembly304.

As seen in FIGS. 10-19 and as mentioned above, adapter 200 includes athird drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 supported in knobhousing 202. Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 includesfirst and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 rotatablysupported in knob housing 202, respectively, and an internal rotationring gear 266 supported and interposed between first and second rotationhousing half-sections 262, 264. Each of first and second rotationhousing half-sections 262, 264 includes an arm 262 a, 264 b extendingdistally therefrom and which are parallel to one another and spaced atransverse distance from one another. Each arm 262 a, 264 a includes aboss 262 b, 264 b extending radially inward near a distal end thereof.

Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 further includes a pairof rotation transmitting bars 268, 270, each, connected at a proximalend thereof to bosses 262 b, 264 b of arms 262 a, 264 a, and at a distalend thereof to a distal coupling assembly 230 supported at a distal endof outer tube 206.

Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 includes a ring gear266 defining an internal array of gear teeth 266 a. Ring gear 266includes a pair of diametrically opposed, radially extending protrusions266 b projecting form an outer edge thereof. Protrusions 266 b aredisposed within recesses 262 c, 264 c defined in an inner surface offirst and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264, such thatrotation of ring gear 266 results in rotation of first and secondrotation housing half-sections 262, 264.

Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 further includes thirdrotatable proximal drive shaft 216 rotatably supported within housing202 and outer tube 206. A proximal end portion of third rotatableproximal drive shaft 216 is keyed to third connector 222 of adapter 200.Third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 includes a spur gear 216 akeyed to a distal end thereof. A gear set 274 inter-engages spur gear216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 to gear teeth 266 a ofring gear 266. Gear set 274 includes a first gear 274 a engaged withspur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216, and asecond gear 274 b engaged with gear teeth 266 a of ring gear 266.

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-19, as third rotatable proximaldrive shaft 216 is rotated, due to a rotation of third connector sleeve222, as a result of the rotation of the third respective drive connector122 of surgical device 100, spur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximaldrive shaft 216 engages first gear 272 a of gear set 274 causing gearset 274 to rotate. As gear set 274 rotates, second gear 274 b of gearset 274 is rotated and thus causes ring gear 266 to also rotate therebycausing first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 torotate. As first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 arerotated, rotation transmitting bars 268, 270, and distal couplingassembly 230 connected thereto, are caused to be rotated aboutlongitudinal axis “X” of adapter 200. As distal coupling 230 is rotated,end effector 300, that is connected to distal coupling assembly 230, isalso caused to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of adapter 200.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 13 and 18, adapter 200 further includesa lock mechanism 280 for fixing the axial position and radialorientation of drive tube 246 for the connection and disconnection ofend effector 300 thereto. Lock mechanism 280 includes a button 282slidably supported on knob housing 202. Lock button 282 is connected toan actuation bar 284 that extends longitudinally through outer tube 206.Actuation bar 284 is interposed between outer tube 206 and inner housingtube 206 a. Actuation bar 284 moves upon a movement of lock button 282.Actuation bar 284 includes a distal portion 284 a defining a window 284b therein. As seen in FIG. 18, a distal end of window 284 b defines acam surface 284 c.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 18, lock mechanism 280 further includes alock out 286 supported on distal coupling assembly 230 at a location inregistration with window 284 b of distal portion 284 a of actuation bar284. Lock out 286 includes a tab 286 a extending toward connectionmember 247 of drive tube 246. Tab 286 a of lock out 286 is configuredand dimensioned to selectively engage a cut-out 247 a formed inconnection member 247 of drive tube 246. Lock mechanism 280 furtherincludes a biasing member 288 tending to maintain lock out 286 and tab286 a thereof spaced away from cut-out 247 a formed in connection member247 of drive tube 246.

In operation, in order to lock the position and/or orientation of drivetube 246, a user moves lock button 282 from a distal position to aproximal position, thereby causing cam surface 284 c of actuation bar284 to engage lock arm 286 and urge lock out 286 toward drive tube 246,against the bias of biasing member 288, such that tab 286 a of lock out286 is received in cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 ofdrive tube 246.

In this manner, drive tube 246 is prevented from distal and/or proximalmovement. When lock button 282 is moved from the proximal position tothe distal position, cam surface 284 c is disengaged from lock out 286thereby allowing biasing member 288 to urge lock out 286 and tab 286 athereof out of cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 of drivetube 246.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 12, adapter 200 includes a pair of electricalcontact pins 290 a, 290 b for electrical connection to a correspondingelectrical plug 190 a, 190 b disposed in connecting portion 108 a ofsurgical device 100. Electrical contacts 290 a, 290 b serve to allow forcalibration and communication of necessary life-cycle information tocircuit board 150 of surgical device 100 via electrical plugs 190 a, 190b that are electrically connected to circuit board 150. Adapter 200further includes a circuit board 292 supported in knob housing 202 andwhich is in electrical communication with electrical contact pins 290 a,290 b.

When a button is activated by the user, the software checks predefinedconditions. If conditions are met, the software controls the motors anddelivers mechanical drive to the attached surgical stapler, which canthen open, close, rotate, articulate or fire depending on the functionof the pressed button. The software also provides feedback to the userby turning colored lights on or off in a defined manner to indicate thestatus of surgical device 100, adapter 200 and/or end effector 300.

A high level electrical architectural view of the system is displayedbelow in Schematic “A” and shows the connections to the various hardwareand software interfaces. Inputs from presses of buttons 124, 126 andfrom motor encoders of the drive shaft are shown on the left side ofSchematic “A”. The microcontroller contains the device software thatoperates surgical device 100, adapter 200 and/or end effector 300. Themicrocontroller receives inputs from and sends outputs to a MicroLAN, anUltra ID chip, a Battery ID chip, and Adaptor ID chips. The MicroLAN,the Ultra ID chip, the Battery ID chip, and the Adaptor ID chips controlsurgical device 100, adapter 200 and/or end effector 300 as follows:

MicroLAN Serial 1-wire bus communication to read/write system componentID information. Ultra ID chip identifies surgical device 100 and recordsusage information. Battery ID chip identifies the Battery 156 andrecords usage information. Adaptor ID chip identifies the type ofadapter 200, records the presence of an end effector 300, and recordsusage information.

The right side of the schematic illustrated in FIG. 22 indicates outputsto the LED's; selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotationor articulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform thefunction selected.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 21, the end effector is designated as 300.End effector 300 is configured and dimensioned for endoscopic insertionthrough a cannula, trocar or the like. In particular, in the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 21, end effector 300 may pass through acannula or trocar when end effector 300 is in a closed condition.

End effector 300 includes a proximal body portion 302 and a toolassembly 304. Proximal body portion 302 is releasably attached to adistal coupling 230 of adapter 200 and tool assembly 304 is pivotallyattached to a distal end of proximal body portion 302. Tool assembly 304includes an anvil assembly 306 and a cartridge assembly 308. Cartridgeassembly 308 is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly 306 and is movablebetween an open or unclamped position and a closed or clamped positionfor insertion through a cannula of a trocar.

Proximal body portion 302 includes at least a drive assembly 360 and anarticulation link 366.

Referring to FIG. 21, drive assembly 360 includes a flexible drive beam364 having a distal end which is secured to a dynamic clamping member365, and a proximal engagement section 368. Engagement section 368includes a stepped portion defining a shoulder 370. A proximal end ofengagement section 368 includes diametrically opposed inwardly extendingfingers 372. Fingers 372 engage a hollow drive member 374 to fixedlysecure drive member 374 to the proximal end of beam 364. Drive member374 defines a proximal porthole 376 which receives connection member 247of drive tube 246 of first drive converter assembly 240 of adapter 200when end effector 300 is attached to distal coupling 230 of adapter 200.

When drive assembly 360 is advanced distally within tool assembly 304,an upper beam of clamping member 365 moves within a channel definedbetween anvil plate 312 and anvil cover 310 and a lower beam moves overthe exterior surface of carrier 316 to close tool assembly 304 and firestaples therefrom.

Proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300 includes an articulationlink 366 having a hooked proximal end 366 a which extends from aproximal end of end effector 300. Hooked proximal end 366 a ofarticulation link 366 engages coupling hook 258 c of drive bar 258 ofadapter 200 when end effector 300 is secured to distal housing 232 ofadapter 200. When drive bar 258 of adapter 200 is advanced or retractedas described above, articulation link 366 of end effector 300 isadvanced or retracted within end effector 300 to pivot tool assembly 304in relation to a distal end of proximal body portion 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, cartridge assembly 308 of tool assembly 304includes a staple cartridge 305 supportable in carrier 316. Staplecartridge 305 defines a central longitudinal slot 305 a, and threelinear rows of staple retention slots 305 b positioned on each side oflongitudinal slot 305 a. Each of staple retention slots 305 b receives asingle staple 307 and a portion of a staple pusher 309. During operationof surgical device 100, drive assembly 360 abuts an actuation sled andpushes actuation sled through cartridge 305. As the actuation sled movesthrough cartridge 305, cam wedges of the actuation sled sequentiallyengage staple pushers 309 to move staple pushers 309 vertically withinstaple retention slots 305 b and sequentially eject a single staple 307therefrom for formation against anvil plate 312.

Reference may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821, filedon Aug. 31, 2009, entitled “TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLINGDEVICE” for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation ofend effector 300.

Since adapter 200 is reusable, prior to each use, at least adapter 200must be sterilized using known sterilization techniques and methods(e.g., hand-washing, dishwashing and/or then autoclaving using cleaningfluids or the like). During this process, the cleaning fluids (e.g.,water, detergent, etc.) may enter adapter 200, including inner housingtube 206 a.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, adapter 200 may be provided with aninner housing tube 206 a including at least one, desirably a pluralityof, port hole(s) or aperture(s) 206 b formed therein. As seen in FIG.23, an array of port holes 206 b is formed in inner housing tube 206 a,wherein the array is oriented to extend in a longitudinal directionalong inner housing tube 206 a. Desirably, an array of port holes 206 bmay be provided on diametrically opposed sides of inner housing tube 206a. Additionally, port holes 206 b of the array may be evenly spacedrelative to one another. While the array of port holes 206 b has beenshown including four (4) port holes 206 b extending in a longitudinaldirection, it is contemplated and within the scope of the presentdisclosure that inner housing tube 206 a may be provided with anquantity, shape, size and arrangement of port holes or apertures 206 b.

As so configured, any fluid that may have entered inner housing tube 206a, during the cleaning/sterilization process, has a path for egress. Inparticular, port holes 206 b allow cleaning fluids to egress from innerhousing tube 206 a during or after the cleaning, dishwashing and/orautoclaving process. Additionally, during a drying period of theautoclaving process, the cleaning fluids can drain or evaporate out ofinner housing tube 206 a, via port holes 206 b.

Turning now to FIGS. 25-30, adapter 200 may include a plurality of sealsor the like which prevent the ingress of any fluids (e.g., cleaningfluids, bodily fluids, etc.) into inner housing tube 206 a. As soconstructed, any lubricants (e.g., grease) contained in the interior ofinner housing tube 206 a will remain therein during thecleaning/sterilization process.

In particular, as seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, adapter 200 may include afirst seal 207 a, in the form of a bi-directional seal (e.g., an X-ringgasket) interposed between distal coupling assembly 230 and drive tube246. First seal 207 a is configured to maintain pnuemostasis as well asto seal out fluids from entering inner housing tube 206 a.

Adapter 200 may include a second seal 207 b, in the form of acompression sleeve, and X-ring or the like, interposed between distalcoupling assembly 230 and inner housing tube 206 a. In addition oralternatively, a seal may be added interior to distal coupling assembly230 and inner housing tube 206 a and constrained therebetween.

As seen in FIGS. 27 and 29, adapter 200 may also include a third seal207 c, in the form of an O-ring or X-ring gasket, recessed within aproximal bushing of adapter 200 to seal the interior features of innerhousing tube 206 a at a proximal end of inner housing tube 206 a,wherein third seal 207 c is interposed between an outer surface of innerhousing tube 206 a and an inner surface of coupling cuff 254.

As seen in FIGS. 27 and 30, adapter 200 may also include a fourth seal207 d, in the form of an O-ring or X-ring gasket, recessed within aninner diameter of coupling cuff 254 of adapter 200 to ride on an outerdiameter of first distal drive shaft 242.

Further, during the closing/opening and firing functions of surgicaldevice 100 and end effector 300, as described above, first drive shaft242 is rotated to axially displace drive coupling nut 244. During thisprocess, heat can be generated due to the friction between drivecoupling nut 244 and first drive shaft 242.

In this manner, inner housing tube 206 a may include heat sinking orheat dissipation features in order to increase heat dissipation duringthe closing/opening and firing functions of surgical device 100 and endeffector 300. The purpose of the heat sinking is to increase the surfacearea of inner housing tube 206 a in order to dissipate heat moreeffectively.

In accordance with the present disclosure, heat can be dissipated frominner housing tube 206 a by either conduction and convection.

Conduction takes place according to the following formula for the Rateof Heat Conduction:

${Q_{cond} = {k_{t}A\frac{\Delta\; T}{\Delta\; x}}};$where:

“k_(t)”=the thermal conductivity of the material, herein aluminum;

“A”=the surface area of the component, herein inner housing tube 206 a;and

$\frac{\Delta\; T}{\Delta\; x} = {{the}\mspace{14mu}{temperature}\mspace{14mu}{difference}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{the}\mspace{14mu}{material}\mspace{14mu}{across}\mspace{14mu}{the}}$thickness  of  the  component, herein  inner  housing  tube  206 a.

Convection takes place according to the following formula for the Rateof Heat Convection:Q _(conv) =hA(T _(s) −T _(f));where:

“h”=the convection heat transfer coefficient;

“A”=the surface area of the component, herein inner housing tube 206 a;

“T_(s)”=the temperature of the surface of the component, herein innerhousing tube 206 a; and

“T_(f)”=the temperature of the fluid (e.g., air) surrounding thecomponent, herein inner housing tube 206 a.

Accordingly, by increasing a surface area of inner housing tube 206 a, arate of heat conduction and convection from inner housing tube 206 ashould increase. Thus, as seen in FIG. 31, inner housing tube 206 a maybe provided with a plurality of annular grooves 206 c formed in an outersurface thereof and extending at least partially along a length thereof.While annular grooves are illustrated, as seen in FIG. 32, it iscontemplated that longitudinally extending grooves 206 d may also beformed in the outer surface of inner housing tube 206 a to achieve thesame or similar results. Grooves 206 c, 206 d may be of any quantity,shape, size and/or arrangement. Grooves 206 c, 206 d define ridges orribs along the outer surface of inner housing tube 206 a.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assemblies. Therefore,the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envisionother modifications within the scope and spirit of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly for selectivelyinterconnecting a surgical end effector and a surgical device that isconfigured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including anaxially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including arotatable drive shaft, the adapter assembly comprising: a housingconfigured to connect to the surgical device and to operatively coupleto the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an inner housingtube supported by the housing and defining an internal cavity, the innerhousing tube having an outer surface including a heat dissipationfeature formed therein; and a drive converter assembly at leastpartially disposed within the internal cavity of the inner housing tube,the drive converter assembly interconnecting the rotatable drive shaftof the surgical device and the axially translatable drive member of theend effector.
 2. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein thedrive converter assembly further includes: a first end configured tocouple to the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a secondend configured to couple to the axially translatable drive member of theend effector, wherein the drive converter assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical deviceto an axial translation of the axially translatable drive member of theend effector.
 3. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein theheat dissipation feature includes at least one groove formed on theouter surface of the inner housing tube.
 4. The adapter assemblyaccording to claim 3, wherein the at least one groove includes aplurality of grooves defining a plurality of ridges on the outer surfaceof the inner housing tube.
 5. The adapter assembly according to claim 4,wherein each of the plurality of grooves extends annularly about theouter surface of the inner housing tube.
 6. The adapter assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of grooves extendslongitudinally along the outer surface of the inner housing tube.
 7. Theadapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing tubeincludes at least one drainage opening formed therein.
 8. The adapterassembly according to claim 7, wherein the at least one drainage openingincludes a plurality of apertures disposed along one side of the innerhousing tube.
 9. The adapter assembly according to claim 8, wherein theplurality of apertures extend in a longitudinal direction.
 10. Asurgical system comprising: a surgical end effector including an axiallytranslatable drive member; a surgical device configured to actuate theend effector and including a rotatable drive shaft; and an adapterassembly including: a housing configured to connect to the surgicaldevice and to operatively couple to the rotatable drive shaft of thesurgical device; an inner housing tube supported by the housing anddefining an internal cavity, the inner housing tube having an outersurface including a heat dissipation feature formed therein; and a driveconverter assembly at least partially disposed within the internalcavity of the inner housing tube, the drive converter assemblyinterconnecting the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and theaxially translatable drive member of the end effector.
 11. The surgicalsystem according to claim 10, wherein the drive converter assemblyfurther includes: a first end configured to couple to the rotatabledrive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end configured tocouple to the axially translatable drive member of the end effector,wherein the drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotationof the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axialtranslation of the axially translatable drive member of the endeffector.
 12. The surgical system according to claim 10, wherein theheat dissipation feature includes at least one groove formed on theouter surface of the inner housing tube.
 13. The surgical systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the at least one groove includes aplurality of grooves defining a plurality of ridges on the outer surfaceof the inner housing tube.
 14. The surgical system according to claim13, wherein each of the plurality of grooves extends annularly about theouter surface of the inner housing tube.
 15. The surgical systemaccording to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of grooves extendslongitudinally along the outer surface of the inner housing tube. 16.The surgical system according to claim 10, wherein the inner housingtube includes at least one drainage opening formed therein.
 17. Thesurgical system according to claim 16, wherein the at least one drainageopening includes a plurality of apertures disposed along one side of theinner housing tube.
 18. The surgical system according to claim 17,wherein the plurality of apertures extend in a longitudinal direction.